Emergency Contraception Pills: Types, Efficacy, 72/120-Hour Rules, and Same-Day Prescriptions Explained by a Doctor
目次
"I want to take an emergency contraceptive pill, but it might be past 72 hours." "Which should I choose, the 72-hour type or the 120-hour type?" "Can I get it prescribed at an internal medicine clinic?" — Our clinic handles both the 72-hour type (levonorgestrel tablets) and the 120-hour type (EllaOne) of emergency contraceptive pills.
Even if more than 72 hours have passed, EllaOne can be used if it is within 120 hours (5 days). Please contact us or visit the clinic first.
⚠️ If you pre-pay online before coming to the clinic, the consultation fee is waived! For online purchase of emergency contraceptive pills, click here.
⏰ Time is of the essence. Don't waste time wondering — please contact us by phone or LINE first.
👉 Same-day visits without an appointment are also possible. Please feel free to consult with us first.
Consultation fees are waived for pre-payment. Please visit the clinic after purchase.
Purchase After PillWhat is the emergency contraceptive pill?
The emergency contraceptive pill (morning-after pill) is a medication used to prevent pregnancy after contraception failure, condom breakage, or sexual assault. It prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and inhibiting the implantation of a fertilized egg.
⚠️ The emergency contraceptive pill is not an "abortion pill." It is ineffective for pregnancies that have already implanted.
Two types of emergency contraceptive pills handled at our clinic
Our clinic prescribes two types of emergency contraceptive pills depending on the situation.
|
72-hour type Levonorgestrel tablets (generic) |
120-hour type EllaOne (ulipristal acetate) |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Time limit for taking |
Within 72 hours (3 days) after intercourse |
Within 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse |
|
Pregnancy prevention rate |
Within 24 hours: approx. 95%Within 48 hours: approx. 85%Within 72 hours: approx. 58% |
Approx. 85-98% throughout 120 hours (effect maintained even after 72 hours) |
|
Cost (approximate) |
3,000 yen |
5,000 yen |
|
Recommended for |
Within 72 hours, want to take it as soon as possible |
More than 72 hours have passed, high BMI, seeking higher certainty |
|
Breastfeeding |
Usable (temporarily discontinue breastfeeding) |
Not usable while breastfeeding |
If you are unsure, EllaOne is safer. EllaOne is less dependent on the timing of intake and maintains high efficacy both within and beyond 72 hours. However, for breastfeeding individuals, levonorgestrel tablets are recommended.
In addition to the above, a consultation fee applies. It is waived if you pre-pay online.
Flowchart for choosing based on time
The medication to be taken changes depending on "how many hours have passed since intercourse."
|
Time elapsed since intercourse |
Recommended emergency contraceptive pill |
Action |
|---|---|---|
|
Up to 24 hours |
Levonorgestrel tablets or EllaOne |
Visit immediately. Levonorgestrel tablets have an approx. 95% prevention rate. |
|
24 to 72 hours |
Levonorgestrel tablets or EllaOne |
Visit urgently. Consider EllaOne as the efficacy of levonorgestrel tablets decreases with time. |
|
72 to 120 hours |
EllaOne only |
Levonorgestrel tablets are insufficiently effective. EllaOne can be used. Visit immediately. |
|
Over 120 hours (more than 5 days) |
Emergency contraceptive pills are not applicable. |
Check for next menstruation, if delayed by 3 weeks or more, use a pregnancy test and visit the clinic. |
⚠️ Do not give up even if more than 72 hours have passed. EllaOne can be used if it is within 120 hours (5 days).
What you should know after taking the pill
|
Item |
Levonorgestrel tablets |
EllaOne |
|---|---|---|
|
Main side effects |
Nausea, headache, irregular bleeding, fatigue, breast tenderness |
Nausea, headache, abdominal pain, fatigue (tend to be less than with levonorgestrel) |
|
If you vomit |
Vomiting within 2 hours of taking → re-administration is necessary |
Vomiting within 3 hours of taking → re-administration is necessary |
|
Effect on next menstruation |
May be a few days early or late |
May be delayed by a few days to a week |
|
Efficacy confirmation |
If next menstruation is delayed by 3 weeks or more, take a pregnancy test. |
Same as above. Pregnancy test after EllaOne is recommended 3 weeks after taking. |
|
Combined with hormonal contraception |
Generally no problem |
Effectiveness of hormonal contraception (e.g., birth control pills) may decrease for 5 days after taking EllaOne. Use a barrier method of contraception concurrently. |
How to get an emergency contraceptive pill prescribed at an internal medicine clinic
|
Step |
Content |
|---|---|
|
① Visit & Medical interview |
No appointment needed, same-day OK. Fill out a questionnaire with intercourse date/time, last menstruation, medications, etc. |
|
② Doctor's examination |
Confirm no contraindications. Explain both types and support selection. |
|
③ Prescription & Administration |
Prescription available on the spot, and can be taken in the clinic. |
|
④ Explanation of follow-up care |
Explain how to confirm the next menstruation, what to do if you vomit, and when to take a pregnancy test. |
At our clinic, consultations are conducted in a private room to ensure maximum privacy. We accommodate visits alone or with a partner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. It's been more than 72 hours. Is it too late?
It's not too late. If it's within 120 hours (5 days), EllaOne can be used. Please visit us immediately.
Q. Which should I choose, the 72-hour type or the 120-hour type?
If it's within 72 hours, you can choose either. If you're unsure, EllaOne is safer as its effectiveness is less dependent on the timing of intake. However, for breastfeeding individuals or those with contraindications to EllaOne, levonorgestrel tablets are chosen.
Q. Can I get an emergency contraceptive pill at an internal medicine clinic?
Yes. Our clinic offers same-day prescriptions without an appointment.
Q. I'm concerned about nausea.
Nausea is the most common side effect of emergency contraceptive pills. It often subsides within 2-3 hours after taking. If nausea is severe, you can consult us about taking antiemetics (motion sickness medication) beforehand. If you vomit within 2 hours (3 hours for EllaOne) of taking the pill, re-administration is necessary. Please contact us immediately.
Q. Can I continue taking birth control pills after taking the emergency contraceptive pill?
If you take levonorgestrel tablets, you can resume low-dose birth control pills immediately. For EllaOne, the effectiveness of birth control pills may decrease for 5 days after taking it, so please use a barrier method of contraception such as condoms during that period.
Q. I have been a victim of sexual assault.
Please visit us first. In cases of sexual assault, there is a public expense system that allows for emergency contraceptive pills to be received free of charge or at a reduced cost (public expense system for emergency contraception). Reporting to the police is not mandatory. We will provide care in a private room.
Q. How effective is it? Can it reliably prevent pregnancy?
Neither emergency contraceptive pill is 100% effective. Levonorgestrel tablets have an approximate 95% pregnancy prevention rate within 24 hours, and EllaOne has an approximate 85-98% rate throughout 120 hours. The sooner it is taken, the higher the effectiveness, so the most important thing is to visit the clinic as soon as you notice.
Q. Can I use it multiple times?
It should be used only in emergencies. Repeated use increases the risk of menstrual irregularities and other issues. For continuous contraception, low-dose birth control pills are recommended. Our clinic also prescribes low-dose birth control pills.
Flow of Examination
-
Reception and filling out the medical questionnaire
Please fill in the date and time of intercourse, the date of your last menstruation, any medications you are taking, and whether you are breastfeeding. -
Consultation
We will confirm no contraindications and provide explanations and selection support for the two types of pills. - Treatment and Prescription
We can prescribe the pill on the spot, and you can take it in the clinic. -
Instructions for home care
We will explain how to confirm your next menstruation, what to do if you vomit, and when to take a pregnancy test.
Clinic Hours and Access
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Clinic Name | Jujo Station Haru Internal Medicine & Dermatology Clinic |
| Consultation Hours | Monday to Sunday, from 9 AM. Wednesdays until 8 PM, Fridays and Saturdays until 9 PM, and Sundays until 7 PM. |
| Closed | None (irregular holidays) |
| Location | J&MALL 1F, 2-27-1 Kami-Jujo, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0034 |
| By train/on foot | 1-2 minutes walk from JR Saikyo Line "Jujo Station", J&MALL 1F |
| By bus | Right in front of the Kokusai Kogyo Bus "Jujo Station" bus stop |
| By car | Please use nearby coin parking |
| Contact | TEL: 03-6698-2509 ／ Official LINE:https://lin.ee/AL0fp3z |
